The Italian leather chain is received by Pope Francis

“Your profession applies scientific and technical know-how to an artisanal activity that has a long tradition, in Italy and other countries such as my home: Argentina. When I was young, I studied in a trade school focused on the usage of chemicals, and this brings me closer to your business”. These are the words of Pope Francis (from January 29^th, 2022) during the private audience during which he received the representatives of Italy’s tanning chain.

Pope Francis’ audience

Thanks to the initiative by Mariano Mecenero, president of AICC – Associazione Italiana Chimici del Cuoio (association for manufacturers of chemicals for the tanning segment), Italy’s leather chain was welcomed to the Vatican in a private audience with Pope Francis. Represent the chain with AICC, were also the “representatives of the other associations of the segment that are organizing, with us, the next Eurocongress” (Vicenza, September 18^th – 20^th, 2022). These are: UNIC – Italian Tanneries, ASSOMAC (the National Association of Italian Manufacturers of Footwear, Leather goods and Tanning Technologies), UNPAC (National Association that gathers the Italian leather chemicals manufacturers) and the Veneto leather district.

The Pope’s speech

“I am happy to receive you for a number of reasons – said Pope Francis -. First of all, because you are a very specific category of workers, inserted in the large global “system” that offers an original and characteristic contribution to the world. At this moment of economic and social crisis, I take this occasion to express my sympathy and that of the church to all workers. Many of them and many families are living a difficult situation, aggravated by the pandemic. But the pandemic can’t and must not become an alibi that justifies omissions of justice and safety. On the contrary, this crisis can be faced as an opportunity to grow together, in solidarity and in quality of work done”.

The challenge: young people

“it’s very important – continued the Pope -, to combine the wisdom of older generations with the enthusiasm of young people. They must meet, that’s the secret! I imagine young people that can be passionate about a segment like yours, finding ‘older and knowledgeable’ people that can teach a lot, both in technical skills and on a human level. Today’s challenge, I think, is the meeting between grandparents and nephews, even without the parents, as it’s a key moment for all of us. We must strive to help young and old combine forces. This is the challenge now”.

The environment and the importance of “making an association”

Last, the environment. “There is another aspect I wish to speak about with you, because it’s a critical matter and I know it’s one you care about. It’s the environmental impact of activities, such as yours, that use chemicals to treat the materials, such as leather, that then becomes handbags, shoes, and others. Many things we use every day and never think about all the work that went into making them. I ask you to strive to contribute to the common cause. It is another reason why it’s very important to create an association, because knowledge, experiences, and other aspects, are all shared. This is how you grow together and maintain social and environmental responsibility. It is very important! Today we have more environmental knowledge and awareness: we have grown, and it’s a great thing”.

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